The Seeds Tumble in Sheffield as the Crucible Curse Continues
We're only a few days down at the 2025 World Snooker Championship but there have already been some notable shocks
Lewis Watson 
The World Snooker Championship kicked off over the weekend, and in the first round of action, some of the snooker betting favourites are already out of the competition!
Our expert on Free Bets is Lewis Watson and he brings his lowdown on what's happened so far at the Crucible.
Reigning World Champion Kyren Wilson was looking to write his name into further pages of the snooker history books this week - just not for the reason that has materialised.
Over the weekend, the "Warrior" lost a deciding-frame thriller to China's Lei Peifan and in doing so became the 20th player to fall victim to the 'Crucible Curse'.
The curse references the fact that no first-time champion has ever returned to successfully defend their crown at the Crucible since snooker's biggest tournament moved to the Sheffield venue in 1977.
“Obviously it’s really hard to take,” Wilson said, following defeat to the Chinese debutant. “I’ve got such a strong record at the Crucible and I was nowhere near my best but it still took a 10-9 to beat me.
“It’s been a really long season and I’ve done so much. I’ve never been stretched so much in all my life but I’m proud of the way I’ve handled it and I’m proud of the success I’ve had as well.”
Wilson added: “It’s obviously been built up into something it’s not [the Crucible Curse], because other players have gone on to win it. I’m sure it’ll be broken at some point, but unfortunately, I won’t be that person.”
The 33-year-old arrived at this year's Championship as the top seed, in fine form and one of the betting favourites to scoop another crown with UK betting sites.
Wilson's four ranking titles over the 2024-25 season underlined his standing as one of the best talents in the game, but speaking to the BBC's live coverage on Tuesday morning, he is suggesting he may have spread himself too thin on the table.
“Maybe I'd look at missing a few of the exhibition tournaments if I had my time again,” he stated. “Last year before winning the World Championship I benefited from getting away with the family and just putting my cue down for a week.”
Wilson's departure will see eyes light up in the top half of the bracket, especially considering the exits in the first round to Neil Robertson and Jak Jones.
Add to that 11th-seed Barry Hawkins losing to Hossein Vafaei, and a few of the lower seeded players will already be plotting their route to the latter stages without picking up their cue yet.
But despite some players slipping on early banana skins, the Class of '92 are once again showing their grit on the baize.
John Higgins and Mark Williams both hurdled the challenges of Joe O'Connor and Wu Yize, respectively, with 10-7 and 10-8 wins, and are on a collision course for a quarter-final meeting for the ages.
Elsewhere in the second round we have an all-Chinese match involving Lei Peifan and Zhao Xintong as they attempt to become the first player from their nation to win the biggest prize in snooker.
Snooker World Championship Coverage
Of course, during the World Championship, we will be with you every step bringing our insights and snooker betting tips.
Lewis Watson is our man to deliver his thoughts, with betting picks and the latest news coming your way throughout the rounds.
